Portland Man arrested in 1997 Homicide investigation

On Saturday, July 23, 2005, homicide detectives arrested 28-year-old Eric Hamilton on one count of Murder in connection with the November 1, 1997, shooting death of 23-year-old Oscar Keymolen. The arrest occurred after Hamilton contacted Portland Police late Saturday morning stating that he wanted to provide information in connection with the crime. Homicide detectives interviewed Hamilton and later charged him with the murder.

The shooting occurred in front of 416 North Emerson Street at 2:56 a.m. Both Keymolen and 30-year-old Tony Merritt died during an exchange of gunfire. During the original investigation, evidence indicated that Keymolen was a possible suspect in the death of Merritt and Hamilton was thought to have been a possible suspect in the death of Keymolen but, because witnesses refused to cooperate, no one was ever charged in connection with this investigation. At the time, the shooting was believed to be gang-related.

Anyone with information in this investigation is asked to call Detective Brian Grose at (503) 823-0757 or Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033.